Description:
You’re all fours and he’s on his knees and penetrates you from behind.

Which bits does it work on?
A bit of everything. Doggy style sex enables very deep penetration. Sensations can be very diverse as the angle can be changed stimulating different areas inside you. It also makes it easy for him to reach around and play with your breasts or clitoris – or you can even do this yourself if you have good balance.

Who’s it for?
It’s perfect for quicky morning sex when your breath isn’t at its sweetest. It’s also great for those who don’t like too much body-to-body contact, those who don’t need to look into each other’s eyes during sex and pregnant women (up to the end of the second trimester, the belly feels unimpeded).

Variation:
Instead of being on all fours, the woman lies down on her belly and the man lies over her. Penetration isn’t as deep but the body contact is very intimate.

Julie’s thoughts: My boyfriend and I are both big romantics. Although we enjoy having doggy style sex, there’s no way in the world that we’d just use that position. It’s a position we regularly use for a change, but it’s not enough on its own.

Why do we like it?
It’s the most natural position for four-legged mammals and it’s a guaranteed way of getting a man on his knees. His hands are free to touch you. Meanwhile, this position is good for your muscles: you get to give them a workout… but that’s beside the point, focus on your pleasure instead.

Why do some people hate it?
If you’re a big romantic, doggy style sex can seem a bit animalistic. And because you’re not looking at each other, you can feel a bit alone. Some people can’t even contemplate this position. Some women think that it’s a one-way ticket to ‘oops, wrong hole!’. You can quite easily avoid anal sex and make the most of the vaginal route, which is enjoyable for both partners. The main problem with this position is that it can sometimes be painful as penetration is so deep.

Cowgirl

Description:
He lies down on his back, you sit on top of him and do all the work!

Which bits does it work on?
Whichever bits you want. You’re the one who gets to choose the angle of your body. Depending on the angle you choose, he’ll stimulate your G spot, A spot, or any of your other erotic zones. How good is that? On top of that, you set the depth and rhythm of your movements and pauses. Go very slowly if you want to make him weak at the knees, or very fast if you prefer to make him burst at the seams.

Who’s it for?
Those who like to take it in turns setting the rhythm. Those who like to give and receive, to control all the action then be on the receiving end of the action. Those who like equality or sharing within the relationship. Women who are into taking control and dominating their partner (at least in the bedroom). And for men who ejaculate too quickly. This position tends to slow down orgasm for men without effecting their enjoyment.

Variation:
She can lie over him, like a reversed missionary position. Body contact is more intense but sexual contact is less stimulating since the angle of penetration is fixed.

Harriet’s thoughts: I like it when my boyfriend caresses my breasts while I’m on top. It really turns me on to see that it’s me who’s giving him pleasure. I feel like I’m not as vigorous as him with the movements so it lasts longer so we use this position quite often.

Why do we like it?
Because we’re in control. Men love it because, unless they want to play Bucakroo, they get to do nothing, for once. They finally get to believe that they’re in the hands of a lady who’s taking care of everything. As long as you thighs can take it you can free up your hands and play or just let him. Looking into each other’s eyes can really send you over the edge.

Why do some people hate it?
Some men can’t imagine not being in control of everything. It makes them nervous to see their partner taking the lead. Also, some women lack inspiration, or worry about ‘not doing it right’ or that they’ll look silly. Some women don’t like it because it requires more effort and stamina that other positions. It’s a shame because with a bit of practice, everyone can get to like it. Plus it’s a proper workout – though that’s beside the point.

Spoons

Description:
You and your partner both lie on your side – your back is against his stomach.

Which bits does it work on?
Penetration from behind is often quite deep and therefore very enjoyable for both of you. That said, if you stay in this position, close together from head to foot, it’s not as complete as with the doggy style position.

Who’s it for?
Those who, at that particular moment, prefer tenderness over acrobatics; those who are tired but still want to get physical; and those who have returned home after having one too many drinks.

Variation:
For added sensation, you can lean forwards a bit. Your back will no longer be touching your partner’s body but you’ll experience some breathtaking sensations because penetration is even deeper. You’re able to alter the angle and find what works for you.

Laura’s thoughts: This is such a snugly position to make love in. I like it a lot but I still prefer more passionate, active positions. But when you’ve been in a relationship for some time, you’re not always in the throes of passion like you were in the very beginning, and you also need to be able to appreciate slow and gentle lovemaking. I’m certainly not against this position because I’ve had some really intense and unexpected orgasms through it. Maybe because pleasure comes more easily when you’re relaxed.

Why do we like it?
Because it’s really relaxing and your muscles aren’t left aching. Because both partners have a hand and arm free to give caresses. Because the entire length of both bodies are against each other, which creates a feeling of fusion.

Why do some people hate it?
Although there is maximum body contact, you can’t look each other in the eyes because you’ve got your back to him. As you’re both lying down, movements can be slower and less vigorous than in other positions. As it’s a bit calm and quiet and you don’t see each other, you might sometimes get the feeling that the other person is thinking about something else rather than focusing on the action. It’s also quite awkward to get a rhythm going.

Sixty-Nine (69)

Description:
Lie down head-to-tail, either on your sides or with one lying on his/her back and the other on top. From here you can give each other oral sex at the same time.

Which bits does it work on?
Wherever the tongue and lips can reach. The mouth area is very versatile and good at giving pleasure, often more so than the genitals. For women, the clitoris gets a lot of attention, and for men, the most sensitive part of the penis, the frenulum, benefits from soft, wet and direct contact, just like the clitoris.

Who’s it for?
Those who like their partner’s entire body, every nook and cranny of it. Those who like to kiss, lick and caress all over. Also, for those who are comfortable enough with their own body and who can let themselves completely go and be ‘tended to’ by their partner.

Paula’s thoughts: I like receiving and giving head but I prefer to do one after the other. When it’s happening at the same time, I find it difficult to pleasure the other person and fully enjoy the pleasure I’m receiving. I tend to alternate: I give him my full attention then I let him do the same to me, then I start again. I find it easier to climax that way.

Why do we like it?
It’s the perfect after shower quick fix. Because it’s often a position for foreplay and it therefore perfectly precedes sexual penetration. It gets your juices flowing immediately.

Why do some people hate it?
Because touching the genitals with the mouth repulses some people. Some men don’t like giving oral sex because the female genitalia scares them and they’re afraid they won’t get it right. Some women don’t like giving head for exactly the same reasons. But in general, even if you don’t really like giving, it’s nice to be on the receiving end. Some people hate it because they don’t like their own private parts. They are afraid that they don’t smell or look nice.

Virginal

Description:
You lie on the bed with your legs closed. He lies down on top of you and penetrates between your thighs, as high up as possible without entering you.

Which bits does it work on?
For the man, the sensation for the penis is almost as satisfying as it is with vaginal penetration. For the woman, well… you probably won’t get pregnant.

Who’s it for?
Guys and girls who want to remain virgins. As well as those who have a burning desire to get physical but who haven’t got a condom at hand.

Variation:
Between her breasts if they’re big enough. You could even try axillary sex – that’s in the armpit. He might get a lot out of it but you don’t really. That said, a big advantage is that the risk of pregnancy is virtually non-existent.

Lucy’s thoughts: I was really nervous about having sex for the first time; I was worried about it hurting. My boyfriend was worried about doing it wrong. Both of us were pretty stressed and complete beginners. This position was our lifesaver. We started like that, and it went really well. Then we gradually went further.

Why do we like it?
Because it allows the partners to become familiar with body contact before making love for real. Because it prevents the woman from experiencing pain because the hymen remains intact. Because it allows both partners to experience sensations of pleasure.

Why do some people hate it?
Because it doesn’t really count as making love. There are very few couples who will try it again once they’ve had their real first time. And also because there is still a small risk of pregnancy if he ejaculates on the vulva.

Missionary

If we could only choose to keep one position, most women would probably choose this one because it’s a classic. Apart from a few other wild primates, humans are the only species to use this position.

Description:
You lie on your back with your legs apart and he lies on top of you.

Which bits does it work on?
His bits more than yours. The penetration and angle of the penis don’t really allow you much scope to move. If your two bodies move together well, it can be mind-blowing, otherwise it might not do much for you.

Who’s it for?
Lovers who want to feel the whole length of their bodies next to each other; beginners who don’t want to mess up their first time; those who want to make love sensually, without getting too tired. This is an ideal starting position for varying the rhythm and depth: slow penetration can be followed by fast penetration, and deep can be followed by not so deep, etc .

Variation:
The woman squeezes her legs together. Penetration is still possible, although it’s a bit trickier. The advantage is that the vagina seems a lot deeper and tighter since the vestibule becomes narrower. What is the vestibule? It’s the space between the labia minora which contains the opening of the vagina.

Becky’s thoughts: I hate making love in the old-fashioned sort of way. It doesn’t turn me on at all. Now that I’ve had some practice, I much rather prefer being a bit more original.

Why do we like it?
Because it’s the first position we all try out and it can bring back some fond memories. Because it’s the position of lovers and it represents the classic physical relationship between two people. The man takes the initiative and his partner is obliging. The man feels virile whilst on top and at the helm. Not only that, both partners can look each other in the eyes and kiss passionately. Plus you get to feel the whole weight of your man – it’s about as sensual as you can get.

Why do some people hate it?
Because it equates to routine and monotony, and it can seem a bit old-fashioned. It’s a shame because good things shouldn’t be forgotten about. Because it can cause quick ejaculation – proof that it’s a very stimulating position… at least for him. And because the woman is passive which doesn’t appeal to most of us, at least not all the time.

Standing

Description:
Standing face to face, your chests are touching and legs are bent so that they are at the ideal height for penetration.

Which bits does it work on?
There aren’t that many areas that get stimulated with this position. It doesn’t allow for complete penetration and it requires a certain level of concentration to stay on your feet, which somewhat reduces your ability to completely let yourself go.

Who’s it for?
Those who like to make love in the doorway or in the great outdoors (even if the ground’s wet or covered in nettles.) It’s for those who have a partner of about the same height. Otherwise, it becomes a bit perilous…. unless the shorter of the two has a stool or tree stump to stand on.

Variation:
Standing up, the man holds his partner under her hips and lifts her while she clasps her legs around him. Penetration is better and the sensations are more sensational but it’s a lot more tiring. Trying it with your back up against a wall is a lot easier and sexier.

Kirsty’s thoughts: I used this position when I first started dating my husband. We had sex everywhere. Thesedays, I admit that I prefer a bit more comfort, and I especially like to spend a lot of time on foreplay. I find that having sex standing is like going back to those days when we were young lovers and we couldn’t bear the wait: we had to have it there and then.

Why do we like it?
Because you don’t need any accessories: not even a bed or chair. It can be performed anywhere, which opens plenty of new horizons. On top of that, both partners have to cling on to each other to stay standing. It’s a beautiful metaphor of what a couple should be about. Together, you’re better balanced in both life and love.

Why do some people hate it?
Because a significant height difference between the two partners can prevent them from getting the most out of this position. Because, overall, it’s more a ‘quickie’ position than a longer-lasting session. Because it’s more tiring to be stood up than to be lying down.

Ridetime

Description:
He sits down on a chair, sofa or bed and you sit on his knees, with your legs apart, facing him.

Which bits does it work on?
It allows for quite deep penetration. The only downside is that the range of movements is limited. There isn’t much room to manoeuvre. But the bodies are against each other and although the thrusting movements are limited, it’s possible to stimulate the sides of the vagina by making rotating movements.

Who’s it for?
Lovers who have always dreamed of making full use of public benches. And those who fancy a change from making love on the bed.

Variation: You sit on him but facing away from him. You can easily choose the penetration angle by leaning forwards or backwards a bit more.

Clare’s thoughts: I tried this out once in a forest, while dressed. He sat on a tree trunk and I folded my skirt up. It was a fantasy come true so it felt amazing!

Why do we like it?
Because you can wrap yourself up in each other’s arms, kiss and look at each other. Because it’s a break from routine. Because you can do it while still dressed (skirt or dress are required though) so it’s fairly discreet.

Why do some people hate it?
This position really limits the range of movements. If the woman is small, she’ll struggle to touch the floor, which will tire both partners out, and make it difficult for her to move. It’s not all that easy for the boyfriends of bigger girls either.